Big Dog

Big Dog is dying. She had a stroke over a year ago and has been three-legged since then, but a month or so back, she took a turn for the worse. She needs help walking and no longer tells us that she needs to go outside. She still eats and drinks and lifts up her head and perks her ears when we talk to her. This is so hard, hard enough that I don't want any more dogs. Hubby and I decided to get a dog to keep Hubby's JRT company. I was pregnant with Number One Son. She was such an energetic puppy. One the way home from Nana and Poppie's the first time, she whimpered and cried unless we had the Tejano radio station on. It was a long two hours for Hubby! When Big Dog was about six months old, we made the trip back to Nana and Poppie's for a family baby shower. When we were packing ip to leave, Big Dog was nowhere to be found. We stayed and looked for her, but had to head home. Poppie knew she would turn up. The next morning, I called and Nana said she hadn't shown up. That night, I shared with me Middle School RE kids that Big Dig was missing and we asked St. Francis to help us find her. Tuesday when I got home from work, I was looking out the window and she was in our backyard! She had come back to Nana and Poppie's and Poppie brought her home. She was injured, it was a bit gory, the Vet thought she might have been mauled by other dogs. She had to have stitches in her mouth, so no chewing hard toys or playing frisbee. This was hard for a teething puppy! The next Monday, I told my RE kids that our dog was found and the look of shock/surprise/joy on their faces is one I will never forget. God does answer our prayers. Big Dog is Hubby and my first "Our" pet. His dog and two of my cats have died since we got married, but this is harder. Big Dog has chosen a long goodbye. We have chosen not to take her to be euthanized. Being at home is the best place for her to die. She really is showing no signs of suffering, she sleeps most of the day. We are the ones suffering, but I believe our earthly suffering is simply kisses and hugs from God.

Footprints

Little Sister's favorite poem is Mary Stevenson's Footprints:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you."

I know I am being carried right now, thank you all for your prayers!